The straight-sixes are coming, brand spanking new straight-sixes are coming. But not from Munich, instead from Stuttgart!

Traditionally, it has been BMW that has been most well known for producing straight-six engines. However, according to some recent reports, BMW might be abandoning their straight six motors in favor of turbo-charged, inline four-cylinder motors and V6s.

Now, according to a European source, Mercedes-Benz will soon start producing straight sixes, possibly in both single and twin-turbo configurations, to replace their thirsty V8 engines. The straight-six motors will be offered in both petrol and diesel configurations, so it seems they are very serious with their plans with these new engines.

While most people associate BMW with straight-six engines, history buffs (like us) will tell you that Mercedes-Benz was among the first companies to ever produce a straight-six engine, 100 years ago with a massive 10-liter motor that produced 75 hp. Mercedes-Benz produced its first diesel straight-six in 1934. Their last petrol straight-six was offered until 1996 in the 300E.

These new straight-six engines should arrive by 2015.

[Source: CAR]

BMW motorcycles have traditionally been known for their boxer engines, featuring horizontally opposed cylinders and lots of torque. Now BMW is looking to inject some of their automotive DNA into their motorcycle program by developing an Inline -6 cylinder engine for their K Series cruiser bikes.

Displacing 1,649cc and putting out 158 horsepower and 129 lb-ft of torque, the engine should be enough to propel the big K1600 around your favorite cruising spots, and with 71% of the torque available by 1,800 rpm, it should do well in city traffic too.

Perhaps the most interesting part of this story is that BMW’s car division is actively trying to downsize their engine range, with four and even three cylinder engines being touted for their compact passenger cars. We understand that high-revving, air-cooled bike engines are generally unsuited for automobiles, but the both exercises seem somewhat counter-intuitive.